Select Premium

Our most complete cultural school exchange experience

Select Premium is designed for students who want a richer and more supported school exchange experience in England.

This programme builds on our classic exchange placements at an excellent UK state school, with additional enrichment and pastoral support provided through South England International (SEI) and Brighton House.

How Select Premium works

Students on Select Premium:

  • attend a partner state school as visiting exchange students

  • live with carefully selected host families

  • benefit from additional enrichment, activities and support alongside their school placement

  • have access to Brighton House, our welcoming community hub

The heart of the programme remains the school exchange experience. SEI exists to support and enrich that experience.

Why add enrichment to a school exchange?

At SEE, we have over 35 years’ experience placing students at schools around the world. We strongly believe in the quality of UK state schools and would choose them for our own children.

British sixth-form students typically study three subjects in depth, which offers visiting students a valuable insight into the English education system. At the same time, many exchange students appreciate having additional structure, variety and continuity alongside school.

Through Select Premium, we provide:

  • a fuller weekly rhythm

  • opportunities to explore additional subjects and interests

  • guidance, mentoring and community

  • a place to belong outside school hours

These elements grow naturally from long experience of what helps students flourish during an exchange year.

The role of South England International (SEI)

South England International supports Select Premium students through:

  • small-group enrichment classes

  • supervised study and academic skills development

  • cultural activities and projects

  • pastoral care and mentoring

SEI does not replace school attendance. It exists to complement the exchange experience and help students make the most of their time in England.

Enrichment subjects and activities

Enrichment options vary each year according to student interests and may include:

  • English Literature

  • Debate

  • Cambridge Examinations

  • Additional languages (depending on demand)

  • Assitional subjects (depending on demand)

These sessions focus on:

  • communication and confidence

  • critical thinking

  • cultural understanding

They are designed specifically for exchange students.

Does this mean more homework?

Actually, the opposite.

We recognise that traditional written homework is less relevant in the age of AI. Instead, we focus on guided preparation, in-class writing and discussion, helping students develop their own voice and thinking skills in a supported environment.

Sport, well-being and balance

Sport and shared activities play an important role in student well-being. Volleyball has become a popular choice because it is accessible, social and inclusive, with opportunities for both casual play and coached sessions.

Participation is encouraged but never compulsory.

The Ambassadors Programme

Our Ambassadors Programme allows students to share their language and culture with local primary school pupils, helping to build confidence, teamwork and a strong sense of community.

Students receive a participation certificate recognising their involvement.

Brighton Haus

Brighton House, just a short walk from school, is the centre of student life beyond school.

Here, students:

  • cook together

  • study

  • relax and socialise

  • take part in clubs and activities

  • talk to staff and mentors

For many students, Brighton House becomes the place where friendships deepen and confidence grows.

Orientation week

At the start of the programme, we work hard to make sure students are settling into Brighton House by organising a workshop in pottery painting – they paint their own mug, so they ‘own’ part of The House from the beginning. Of course, we add their names to the locker they have chosen. A second workshop – this time to sew a cushion – serves to have them create something for their room in the host family, fostering a sense of belonging there too. The introduction seminar, volleyball games and drama workshop got everyone laughing and interacting from the start.

Our partnership with Newman College

We are grateful to Newman College for welcoming our students into their school community. Students value the support, subject choice, facilities and commitment of staff.

Newman has long been one of SEE’s most trusted partner schools, and we deeply value the cooperation.

The smallest school in Brighton & Hove, which provides exactly what international students need.

SEI inspection history

South England International was inspected as an independent school between 2023 and 2026 and was judged to be a good school in all categories.

The inspection report noted:

“Their excellent induction work ensures each student feels safe and settled in new surroundings. Leaders carefully match students to host families and plan a bespoke curriculum for each young person.”

In 2026, SEI transitioned from independent school status to operate solely as a short-course provider and is now accredited by the British Accreditation Council (Blutalkoholkonzentration).

The largest school in Brighton & Hove, which provides an outstanding education and a wide choice of activities.

Newman is an Outstanding school in all categories

‘Sixth formers are immensely proud of their college and speak highly of the excellent support they receive. Contact with their teachers is regular and fully supports their progress in lessons as well as their welfare beyond lessons. Opportunities outside of the classroom are extensive and appreciated. Students joining the sixth form from other schools comment on the phenomenal support received to help them to settle in’.

Newman was always SEE’s favourite school in Brighton & Hove, so we immensely value the cooperation.